1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda

LMC is proud to offer for sale such a fine example of the Pagoda SL breed.

Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor show the 230SL was to end up being a step in a new direction for Mercedes' extremely successful "Sport Leicht" (Sport Light or SL) road car program. Knowing that replacing the legendary 300 SL was completely impossible, Chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut instead chose to attempt to design a car that would combine aspects of both the 300 SL and the 190SL. The result was the "Pagoda" SL, an elegant sporting car that would push the SL series more towards grand touring and refinement as opposed to outright sportscar performance. The name "Pagoda" is derived from lead designer Paul Bracq team's distinctive concave hardtop design, looking to produce both an elegant and practical shape, maximizing outward visibility. The 280 SL variant, introduced at Geneva in 1967 is the final evolution of the W113 Pagoda SL and brought forth the desirable 2.8 L M130 series straight six with a creamy 170 HP. It also carries all the refinements learned along the way of the Pagoda SL's relatively (in Mercedes terms) short production run of 1963-1971.

This particular SL has benefited from a rotisserie, nut and bolt restoration, and has possibly bettered the exacting standards of Mercedes-Benz from a period where they were seemingly building cars to last "forever". It has many of the desirable options of the series, and its late production status further adds to its collectability.

Open that lovely hood to gaze upon what is a total, no effort spared restoration of the entire engine bay. The smooth running M130 inline six cylinder is proudly shown off and is like a jewel in an engine bay that is like new. Every piece of rubber looks fresh and has been replaced, as every nut and bolt has been renewed. All the factory correct markings have been faithfully replicated. The lengthy restoration efforts were carried on to the underside and chassis. Much like the engine bay, the bottom side of the car is as much a pleasure to view as the sumptuous curves on the car's topside. The unique non torque convertor "K4A025, fluid coupling" 4 speed automatic is very smooth and was designed to be more efficient as the revs and speed rose. Mercedes Benz chose a unique rear axle design for the Pagoda SL. The independent single-joint, low-pivot swing rear-axle with transverse compensator spring may be difficult to pronounce, but offers the driver a supple ride and great all round performance in the bends.

The effort bestowed on the code 180G Silver Grey paint covering those beautiful Bracq designed surfaces is the type to be considered for awards.Because the car was clearly a great starting point prior to the restoration, the panels are laser straight and the gaps are perfectly consistent everywhere on the body. The chrome and brightwork are perfect and gleam in the sun much like the paint. Uniquely, this Pagodas hardtop has the optional chrome ski rack mounts, adding a further detail to glimmer along with the rest of the car. Take that hardtop off to reveal a beautiful Burgundy soft top that wonderfully contrasts the silver grey paintwork. Desirable European spec headlamps finish off the gorgeous exterior. Moving inside, Supple Red leather coats nearly every appropriate surface. Not only is the effect of the red leather extremely striking to the eye, the quality of the hides used, makes this SL's interior as much a tactile pleasure as it is a visual one. On the headliner, in typical German fashion, the same gorgeous red leather is offered but in perforated finish. Leather surfacing can be further enjoyed and felt on the face of the optional ivory steering wheel, the door panels, the dash and the parcel storage area behind the seats. New German thick pile carpet has been installed throughout the interior and is wisely protected by sharp looking black and red "Cocoa" brand floor mats. Even the trunk has its own matching Cocoa mat. The gauges and switchgear are all as vibrant as they were when new. As a nice touch the original Becker radio was sent back to Becker for a rebuild and has had an auxiliary input discreetly added for modern listening devices.

This Pagoda comes with many added extras including: red leather cover for spare tire, red leather tool pouch, red leather book pouch (all red leather matches leather used in the interior), all owner's manuals/guides including: owners handbook, 250/280SL period parts manual, air conditioning operating manual, cloth soft top manual, Becker radio booklet, period Mercedes-Benz pocket factbook, period maintenance accessories catalogue. Also, an extra set of wheel covers color coded to soft top, 2 sets of keys, extra fuel cap and one pair of brand new driving loafers handmade using matching perforated red leather from the hard top headliner.

The details of this thorough and exacting restoration are seemingly endless, the sum of all of these details is one of the finest Pagoda SLs for sale. Much like the workmanship carried out on the car, drinking in all of these wonderful details is a labor of love and time consuming. This SL represents a great opportunity to purchase a great collectible with worldwide appeal.